Global Problems Find Local Solutions

Linda Farrington

 What does a wind turbine, a ballet dancer and a solar car have in common? The 240 seventh grade students from the Amherst Middle School that participated in the Susan Stitt Global Science Exposition on April 18, 2013 could tell you. This annual science exposition is held in memory of former school board member, Susan Stitt, in honor of her commitment to innovation and technology in the Amherst Schools. This contemporary twist to the old-fashioned science fair is designed to integrate innovations in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. Many of the higher level skills students engage in are considered essential for high school, college and the work place in the 21st century.  

According to Ben Wesenberg, “The GSI Project allowed me to see connections between the real world and science.” Ben’s scientific question was, “Does the amount of sugar in bread affect how much the bread will rise?”

Projects covered a wide variety of topics.  Abby Tesconi studied the effects of caffeine on a student’s memory, Serena Severini looked at effects of construction materials on building stability during an earthquake, a comparison between electrical output and the number of paddles on a water turbine was developed by Scott Master and another favorite was Maggie Dix and her study of familial fingerprint similarities.

Besides the obvious goals of a project like this, it is important for students to become global problem solvers who understand problems and concerns of others and how that relates to their own country, community and family.

This exposition was the culmination of many weeks of investigation, experimentation, and analysis and a celebration that Sue Stitt would have been very proud see.